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Shure SM81 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Small-diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone with Lockable Pad, 3-position Low-frequency Response Switch, Swivel Adapter, Foam Windscreen, and Carrying Pouch
$399.00

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Shure SM81 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
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Industry-standard Acoustic Guitar Mic… and More!

If you’ve been looking for a versatile, precise, and rugged mic, you’ve found it. The Shure SM81’s uniform cardioid pickup pattern achieves maximum gain before feedback onstage, while offering excellent off-axis rejection in a myriad of applications. Besides being an industry-standard microphone for acoustic guitar, this small-diaphragm condenser’s ruler-flat frequency response offers natural-sounding reproduction of other acoustic instruments, such as mandolin, violin, and banjo. It also performs admirably as drum overheads. What’s more, it exhibits impressive SPL handling, enabling it to effortlessly tackle loud sources. A 3-position highpass filter switch and lockable -10dB pad round out the SM81’s robust features. Boasting durable vinyl-coated steel construction, the SM81 includes a swivel adapter, foam windscreen, and carrying pouch.

Superior build quality ensures top-shelf sound

The Shure SM81 offers top-shelf performance in an endless array of applications and environments. Its uniform cardioid pickup pattern offers exceptional isolation with minimum off-axis coloration, while its ultra-smooth response curve ensures accurate sonic reproduction of anything you put in front of it. It exhibits low noise and high output, along with a negligible level of distortion over a wide range of load impedances. Low RF susceptibility mitigates radio interference. What’s more, the SM81 features super-rugged vinyl-coated steel construction and is field-usable in an infinite range of temperature and humidity conditions.

An industry standard with pro-level features

The SM81 is teeming with pro-level features. A 3-position switch allows you to adjust the low-frequency response of the microphone (flat, 6dB, or 18dB/octave roll-off), which is ideal for minimizing wind noise, room noise, and proximity effect. A lockable -10dB pad enables you to use the SM81 to capture extra-loud sources without altering the mic’s frequency response. At Sweetwater, we consider the SM81 a must-have for any well-stocked studio’s mic locker — it’s a true industry standard!

Shure SM81 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone Features:

  • Small-diaphragm condenser microphone with ruler-flat frequency response
  • Industry-standard acoustic guitar mic — just point it at the 12th fret for instant album-ready sound
  • Also excels on other acoustic instruments and as drum overheads
  • Uniform cardioid pickup pattern offers exceptional isolation with minimum off-axis coloration
  • Ultra-smooth response curve ensures accurate sonic reproduction
  • Exhibits low noise and high output, plus a negligible level of distortion over a wide range of load impedances
  • Low RF susceptibility mitigates radio interference
  • 3-position low-frequency response switch (flat, 6dB, or 18dB/octave roll-off) minimizes noise and proximity effect
  • Lockable -10dB pad for capturing extra-loud sources without altering your frequency response
  • Durable vinyl-coated steel construction
  • Field-usable in an infinite range of temperature and humidity conditions
  • Includes a swivel adapter, foam windscreen, and carrying pouch

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Condenser
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Max SPL: 136dB (146dB w/Pad)
  • Output Impedance: 150 ohms
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 78dB
  • Self Noise: 16dB (A weighted)
  • Low Cut Filter: 80Hz (-18dB/octave), 100Hz (-6dB/octave)
  • Pads: -10dB
  • Connector: XLR
  • Power Source: 12-52V phantom power
  • Dimensions: 8.35" x 0.93"
  • Weight: 0.5 lbs.
  • Included Accessories: Mic Clip, Carrying Pouch, Foam Windscreen, Stand Adapter
  • Manufacturer Part Number: SM81-LC

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Perfect SDC On Loud Sources

While this mic has kind of low sensitivity for a condenser, it works to its advantage in some situations... like drum miking. It has been a mainstay in our studio for about 20 years for spot miking hi hat and ride cymbals. It equally shines on acoustic guitar as a supplement to a LDC or on its own, depending on the sound you're going for. The hi pass filters are voiced perfectly. The first filter is a gentle roll off at 500hz which can get rid of room rumble without getting in the way of what you're trying to record. The second is a sharper curve at 100hz that can help reduce kick bleed when being used on a drum set. The pad IS NOT incremental as the switching mechanism would have you think. Its on or off. There is supposed to be a 'lock' included with the mic, but after buying a bunch of these over the years, I've yet to see it included in the box. (its not even pictured in the product shot). Its a tiny piece of plastic that wedges into the housing where the pad switch is and stops the switch from turning. The linked video gives examples on piano, guitar, drum set, hi-hat and upright bass as well as a historical look at the mics origin.
Music background: Engineer 20+ years
Rated 5/5

Great mics for drum overheads!

I really debated on spending the money for high quality drum mics. I've got a big project coming up so I got 2 of these for drum overheads (plus 3 Sennheiser MD421's for toms). I'm glad I did. Now I know what a difference really good mics make! After experimenting with the placement and finding the sweet spot, these mics made a huge difference! Thanks always to Sweetwater and Jimmy Hart - You're the BEST!
Music background: Over 40 years playing bass, over 30 years recording engineer
Rated 5/5

Worth It!

Just bought a pair of Shure SM81's to use on the Hi Hat and ride cymbals in my studio! The clarity is amazing. Can't wait to try them on the acoustic guitars and other instruments once we are completed with the drum recordings for the new record! Great addition to my studio and they don't break the bank.
Rated 5/5

Very compact, rugged, versatile

If I could only own one microphone this would be my choice.
It's compact. It's very high quality and has very good frequency response.
In addition to the builtin EQ options, due to the broad flat response you can EQ it versitilely.
It's rugged.
It can handle relatively high SPL.
Some people have commented about the locking ring being missing but it's possible
to accidentally toss it out because it's just a little nylon ring
with a ridge to lock the attenuation ring in place.
You unscrew the cap and install it. Otherwise you could
tape the ring in place. The ring is easy to move so it could
be displaced in handling. Hence the lock.
I haven't bought one recently, so they might have
added a detent to the free moving ring which would serve
the purpose.
In any event this is hands down the best and most
versatile microphone I have ever used.
Music background: Guitar, keyboards, recording engineering, production.
Rated 5/5

great acoustic mic

great product that you csn be confident with.
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